kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl 

1

: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut

… as brown in hue as hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.

—William Shakespeare

2

: a whole seed of a cereal

a kernel of corn

3

: a central or essential part : germ

Like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truth.

—S. M. Lyman

4

chiefly dialectal : a fruit seed

5

mathematics : a subset of the elements of one set (such as a group) that a function (such as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set

Synonyms of kernel

• root
• core
• essence
• heart

Examples of kernel in a Sentence

There's not a kernel of truth in what they say.

the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space

Recent Examples on the Web

In our version, corn is charred, then the kernels are cut off and combined with jicama, chiles, cilantro, oil, cheese, and lime juice. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 22 May 2026

The ruling even prompted a reaction from Linus Torvalds, the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel. —ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026

In his work, the unfathomable is what most powerfully involves us—some private kernel of feeling that resists interpretation, and always remains out of reach. —Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026

Here’s what leading security experts have to say about the Dirty Frag Linux kernel vulnerability. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing kernel

• pine kernel

Rhymes for kernel

• colonel
• journal
• sternal
• vernal
• diurnal
• eternal
• external
• fraternal
• infernal
• internal
• maternal
• nocturnal

Kids Definition

kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl 

1

a

: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut

b

: a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)

2

: a central or basic part

a kernel of truth in what they say